Man gives hitchhiker a lift home-and is shocked by the news the next day

 Carter noticed the effect his question had on Tara's expression. Her face had been expressionless, but now it held a hint of sadness. She glanced at him and answered with a question of her own. "What's up with an old man like you picking up a young girl off the street?" Her large, unblinking eyes met his, and the weight of her words hung in the air.Carter was taken aback by the bold response and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected the girl to turn the tables so quickly. He opened his mouth, but words struggled to come out. He stumbled over a response, trying to say something, but her cheeky tone threw him off.